"Currently there are more than 560 Kentuckians and more than 80,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment. One name is added to that list every 20 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and students in becoming informed in order to make a decision about organ and tissue donation."

-- Janie Morrison,
deputy director,
UK Transplant Center

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 17, 2003) -- The University of Kentucky and the University of Louisville may be the state’s most famous rivals in the sports arena, but the schools are standing together in a friendly competition supporting organ and tissue donation.

When the Wildcats’ and Cardinals’ basketball teams meet on Dec. 27 at Rupp Arena, the battle to secure signed donor cards already will be heated. The goal of the two universities is to get the most fans to sign driver's licenses or organ donor cards during the third annual Gift of Life Challenge. UK has won the challenge in both years of competition.

"Currently there are more than 560 Kentuckians and more than 80,000 people waiting for an organ as their only hope for life-saving treatment," Janie Morrison, deputy director of the UK Transplant Center, said. "One name is added to that list every 20 minutes. We want to assist the faculty, staff and students in becoming informed in order to make a decision about organ and tissue donation."

“Whether you will be cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats or the Louisville Cardinals, I think everyone will agree that increased education about organ and tissue donation is a great reason for the two universities to join forces," Morrison added.

UK fans wanting to become a donor should visit a Gift of Life Challenge booths located throughout campus and show your signed driver’s license or donor card and sign the fan roster.

“It’s also very important for individuals who have decided to become organ and tissue donors to tell their families about their decision,” Morrison added.

The challenge continues until the start of the UK vs. U of L basketball game. The winning school will be announced during halftime.